Hackspace projects

[Toby Catlin]

Hi all,

I thought that to help get the ball rolling and more people interested in Hackspace we could run some Hackspace projects. The idea being we would build something that is of general use to us, while at the same time teaching everyone else in the group something as we go. A project lead would be nominated that would host meetings and teach the rest of the group (although would not be expected to know everything). We would blog progress which would go up on the site further promoting Hackspace.

My first two ideas, either of which I am willing to head up. 

RFID door controller

Summary: Opens a lock when a valid RFID tag (Mifare card like Oyster or fob or even a passport) is presented

Use: The Mens shed need one to allow entry without disturbing others and to track who is present in the building. It could also be used in any domestic home as a replacement for a Yale lock.

Materials:

• RaspberryPI (or possibly Arduino)
• USB RFID reader
• Solenoid operated electronic door lock (maybe a relay too)

Estimated cost £60-70

Operation:

When the RFID reader scans a card it reads a number from it. The number is checked against a database of valid cards and triggers the door lock mechanism if validated. The database can be hosted on the RPi and a webserver can run a simple app to manage users, collect stats etc. If connected to the Internet it can be remotely operated.

You could learn:

• Programming - Internet of things connecting a door to the internet
• RFID operation - How it works and what it can do
• Web programming for admin of users
• Simple database structures
• Some basic electronics to interface lock with RPi
• Chatting up girls 

Hackspace Website

Summary: Current site is using a static site generator called Pelican. It needs much more functionality to promote the HS and allow all members to contribute. We need at the very minimum a way to register users and allow them to login to post blog updates.

Materials:

• Bytes and lots of them

Cost: zero

Operation:

This project is to discuss the required functionality and various options available. Run sessions on version control (git), Databases, programming (PHP, Python, ???) and web development frameworks (Django, Flask, ReactJs, knockout, Angular)

You could learn:

• Git
• Python
• JavaScript
• CSS
• Linux admin
• MVC
• Object relation mapping for databases
• Oauth
• The meaning of life and the inner secrets of the universe

The plan would be to run them like as an unplanned teaching series. If someone doesn't understand something we discuss it until they do. If we can't decide between two possible solutions we present our arguments and vote on one way or another (Nerf fight if undecided).

I propose to be part of a project you would need to commit to a attending a weekly project meeting of around 2hrs, Hopefully at the Mens shed on a Monday.

Please post back with your thoughts and if you are interested

thanks

toby

[Marion Catlin]

I am in for either of those. Also interested in some Lilypad work and would like to develop a calendar for people with alzheimers

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